Heat linked to Lamar Odom, Carlos Boozer, Allen Iverson

Rumors, rumors, and more rumors. Despite being cash-strapped the Heat is thought to be in the mix for Lakers forward Lamar Odom, Jazz forward Carlos Boozer and Detroit guard Allen Iverson. Odom or Boozer would be great because they could be the “over the top” guy (as I referenced in a previous blog); Iverson, especially when compared to Odom or Boozer, is not-so-great.

Chatter is talks between Odom, who played for Miami during that magical 2003-04 season, and the Lakers have broken down. The Lakers offered $9 million a year. It’s unclear whether it was a three- or -four-year deal but Odom supposedly wants more years.

Although the Heat can only offer the $5.8 million mid-level exception it is said to be willing to offer Odom a five-year, $34 million deal. Perhaps only to have leverage, Odom, is thought to be considering such an offer from the Heat. Here’s what Odom, who has already proven to be a good sidekick to Dwyane Wade, said when asked if there was interest from Miami:

Odom could be in a Heat uniform again/(NBA.com)

“I don’t know how to answer that question,” Odom said told the Los Angeles Times. “I’m pretty sure there might be other teams. I just won a championship.”

Boozer has one year and $12.6 million left on his contract. Utah already has to match forward Paul Millsap’s four-year, $32 million offer sheet from Portland and would love to shed Boozer’s salary. Boozer is interested in a long-term deal with someone and would be a good sidekick for Dwyane Wade. Boozer told a Chicago radio station he thinks he’ll be traded.

“Yeah, I do,” Boozer was quoted as saying in the Deseret News. “I had a talk with the Jazz, and the Jazz told me they want to go in a different direction, and I respected their decision, and we mutually agreed to work out a trade that was beneficial to them and as well beneficial for my family and me. So, with that being said, I’m gonna be traded…relatively soon or in good time.”

Boozer could dominate for the Heat/(ESPN)

There’s a sign-and-trade possibility with Boozer and Heat forward Udonis Haslem, who is in the final season of a deal that pays him $7.1 million.

And the Heat is said to still be in the running for Iverson. I’ve never asked Wade about his experience with Iverson from that 2004 bronze-medal U.S. Olympic team. But publicly Wade has been supportive of the Heat acquiring Iverson, who likely would be with Miami for one season and then leave in pursuit of the final multi-year contract of his great career and a championship.

Among this trio of Odom, Boozer and Iverson the most desirable would be Boozer. Get him, and you’ve got Wade for the long term. And Boozer, who brings hustle along with a high-quality game, is a good fit. He’s dependable night after night. But he’s also a health risk.

Odom isn’t exactly dependable night after night, but when he’s on he’s darn good. And his versatility would be a great fit for the Heat.

Iverson would boost the offense, but he could prove to be a headache for second-year coach Erik Spoelstra.

My thinking: get Boozer or Odom (they’d also be helpful recruiting tools in the future), and leave Iverson alone.